Chip carving is a very old craft in many cultures, but the patterns we typically see are Northern European. This is an art form that almost anyone can practice with patience and a steady hand.

Chip carving generally consists of a set of triangular cuts layed-out in regular, geometric patterns, but can be more free form, as in lettering and pictures. You will need a sharp knife, the key to safety and ease of carving. You will learn how to handle and care for the knife, how to lay out a pattern for cutting, how to make the various cuts, and how to deal with mistakes.

The class is offered free, but you’ll still need to register so you can receive the Zoom invitation.

If you have questions about using Zoom, email betty@elyfolkschool.org or call 218-235-0138.The class is offered free, but you’ll still need to register so you can receive the Zoom invitation.

Woods used would be basswood (preferred), white pine or butternut. Typically the thickness would be ¼ to ½ inch. Most wood will come in¾ inch thickness or in blocks for 3-D carving. These would need to be resawn and planed to the dimensions desired. Some sources: Woodcraft and Rockler.

About the instructor: Bart Dunning has built furniture and done three dimensional and relief carving. He has been doing chip carving for 20 years.

Bart taught physiology for a number of years at several medical schools. He currently teaches skiing at Buck Hill in Burnsville and demonstrates chip carving at the Dakota City Heritage Village at the Dakota County fairgrounds and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska.

True Stories From the Edge, begun by Julie Nester and Terry Cooper, has been such a smashing success bringing storytellers out of the woods to share bits of their lives and perspectives with all of us that we want to carry on this tradition. We have come to know each other better, getting a glimpse into and appreciating the many-faceted beings that we are.

We will be choosing a new name, and you'll have a chance to throw in your suggestions and vote on what we'll use.

We will continue to use the format guidelines based on the Moth Radio Hour. (See below and more details at themoth.org.) We will do this online once a month until it is safe to gather in person once again.

Each evening will have a theme as a idea generator, but it's not mandatory to stick to that theme. Bursting to tell a different story? We want to hear it! Tell a story about something you've lost and/or something you've gained.

Although this is a free class, you'll need to register to receive the Zoom invitation, so sign up now and join us!

Guidelines:

Stories must be true and yours - don't tell someone else's story.

Stories will be limited to eight minutes with a one-minute warning.

Please practice telling your story, so you know how long it takes.

You should have some stake in what happened. Show some action and consequences, but that doesn't mean it has to be the biggest drama of your life.

Be ready to appreciate all storytellers and receive appreciation yourself.